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Sen. Sam Thompson and Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Rob Clifton, who represent parts of Middlesex, Ocean, Burlington and Monmouth counties, today said a nearly $25,000 Department of Children and Families (DCF) grant for a facility that provides housing for homeless young men in Chesterfield reaffirms the administration’s commitment to assisting the state’s most vulnerable populations.

“No excuses: our children and family centers must be able to serve their primary function of sheltering residents,” Thompson said. “We’re happy to announce an improved heating and cooling system for this home in Chesterfield, as the well-being and safety of women, children and families remain a top priority for me and this administration.”

“With autumn’s chilly nights and winter’s cold days just around the corner, this funding comes just in time to enhance the facility’s heating system,” said Dancer. “As representatives of all people, it’s our responsibility to assist individuals who find themselves in dire situations through no fault of their own. GSH not only provides safe shelter for young men, but its program makes education a priority which helps put them on the road to independent living.”

The Christie administration announced Wednesday that Garden State Home (GSH), Inc. will receive $24,930 in DCF Facility Improvement Funding to upgrade its heating and cooling system at its Chesterfield, NJ site. GSH, which also operates a facility in New Brunswick, provides supportive housing for homeless youngsters ages 16 to 21. Through a collaborative effort with various community partners, GSH places an emphasis on education. It also works with the local farming community which provides employment opportunities for the young men at farmers markets.

“This grant is very welcome news for GSH as it will help provide a warm and safe environment for its residents as we head into the winter season in just a few short months,” said Clifton. “Grants, such as this, are vital to ensuring the safety and well-being of our children and families who reside in these facilities. I would like to thank the governor for his ongoing commitment to providing assistance to those truly in need.”

The grant program provides an array of services for children, women and families through the Department of Children and Families. The funds are to be used for improvements to facilities that serve children and families including Domestic Violence Women’s Shelters, Out of Home Placements Programs, Homeless Shelters, and Community Based Programming.